Port of Moses Lake

09/03/2026

On Tuesday, we held our annual Tenant Appreciation Lunch at the Grant County International Airport terminal. This casual gathering provided a great opportunity to share a meal, express our thanks, and connect with the businesses and organizations that play a vital role in advancing our Port District.

Port Commissioners Darrin Jackson and Stroud Kunkle, and Executive Director Dan Roach each took a moment to convey their appreciation. We were also delighted that Senator Judy Warnick attended, expressing her gratitude for the contributions each tenant makes to our region.

Thank you to guests who joined us, including representatives from AeroTEC, Automated Ag, Big Bend Community College Dynamic Aviation, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Genie, Greenpoint Technologies, Inc., Iron Cross, Million Air Moses Lake, Sonico, and Western Pacific Engineering & Survey. We truly valued this chance to visit!

And a very special thank to Tacos El Rey (Moses Lake) for providing a VERY satisfying meal!

09/03/2026

Great story! Stay tuned for our own photos from this meeting coming shortly!

Thank you, Apple Valley News Now!

The Brief

09/01/2026

Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project (NCBRP) Advertisement for Bids

September 1, 2026: The Port of Moses Lake is accepting sealed bids from qualified contractors for construction of the Northern Columbia Basin Railroad Project (NCBRP), Contract No. 26-099, located in and around Moses Lake, Washington.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Work generally consists of construction of approximately 4.7 miles of new railroad spur and improvements to approximately 2.7 miles of existing railroad track. Major elements of the Work include railroad track construction and rehabilitation; earthwork and embankment; demolition and clearing; erosion and sediment control; culverts and drainage improvements; railroad bridge (in-water work) construction; railroad grade crossings and associated roadway improvements; railroad crossing signals and controls; underground utilities; asphalt paving; sidewalks; curb and gutter; fencing; pavement markings and signage; and other associated civil, structural, railroad, and site improvements as identified in the Contract Documents.

Download Full Bid Advertisement:https://cdn-portofmoseslake.codespeed.app/files/POML+NCBRP+-+Bid+Advertisement.pdf

Download Full Contract Specifications:https://cdn-portofmoseslake.codespeed.app/files/01+-+NCBRP+ADVERTISEMENT+FOR+BIDS+Contract+Specifications.pdf

BID DATE AND TIME: Sealed bids will be received until 2:00 P.M. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Front Reception Desk of the Port of Moses Lake Administration Office, 7810 Andrews Street NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

All questions and requests for clarification regarding the Contract Documents shall be submitted in writing to: [email protected] . No oral interpretations or responses shall be binding upon the Port.

Learn more at: https://www.portofmoseslake.com/business

08/31/2026

Port of Moses Lake follower Vern Searcy recently sent us these incredible photos of the Fire Boss in action on Moses Lake, captured by his son, Carson, on Saturday, August 29. One of the standout shots includes the Moses Lake water tower in the background, and a perfect local detail to go with an already impressive aircraft-in-action photo.

According to dad, Carson took the photos from their dock using a Nikon D7200 with a telephoto lens. The plane was farther away than it looked, but Carson zoomed in and captured the moments beautifully!

Thank you, Vern and Carson, for sharing these with the Port of Moses Lake and our community! And Carson, best wishes to you in your ambitions of becoming a pilot!

Photo credit: Carson Searcy.

08/31/2026

Happy 70th First-Flight Anniversary, KC-135 Stratotanker!

On August 31, the Boeing in Washington KC-135 Stratotanker marks 70 years since its first flight in 1956, an aviation milestone with a very special Moses Lake connection. According to Air Mobility Command, the Larson Air Force Base, (now us), was more than a stop on the map: it was part of the tanker’s early test, delivery, and legacy!

Details worth celebrating
• First aircraft delivery: The first KC-135 was picked up here from Larson Air Force Base and flown to 93rd Air Refueling Squadron at Castle AFB, California.
• Project Speckled Trout: Another plane, tail number 55-3126, was nicknamed City of Moses Lake. The United States Air Force General at that time picked the aircraft up in Moses Lake and had it taken to Andrews AFB, where it helped begin Project Speckled Trout, the Air Force senior-leader transport mission that has supported every Air Force chief of staff since!
• Record-setting aircraft: The KC-135 broke two records during Operation Long Legs: a non-stop, non-refueled flight from Westover AFB, Massachusetts, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Nov. 11-12, 1957, and a speed record the next day from Buenos Aires to Washington, D.C.

From the Port of Moses Lake and Grant County International Airport, we salute: Happy 70th first-flight anniversary to Boeing, Air Mobility Command, and the KC-135 Stratotanker. This remarkable aircraft still gives aviation fans a reason to look up.

Learn more about this aircraft’s history on Air Mobility Command’s website: https://www.amc.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/936460/retired-crew-chief-reminisces-about-60-years-of-kc-135-airpower/

Pictured below: Crew chief talks with crewmembers of the C-135 Stratolifter, tail number 55-3126, “City of Moses Lake”, that was used to transport dignitaries under the command of then-Vice
Chief of Staff of the Air Force General between 1957-1965. Photo courtesy Department of War.

Our sincerest thanks for War Media Activity (WMA) – Enterprise Customer Services for the cooperation in use of this photo and story!

The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

08/29/2026

Black Hawk brings firefighting muscle to regional fires

We were able to capture a visiting Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk, adding another impressive aircraft to the airport’s busy mix of wildfire-response traffic.

This bird is in the Firehawk Helicopter family of firefighting aircraft. Originally designed as a rugged military utility helicopter, the Black Hawk has become a valuable tool in wildland fire operations thanks to its twin-engine power, lift capability, and ability to work from remote staging areas. Today, aircraft like this support crews with water drops, crew transport, and rapid movement between active incidents during the western wildfire season.

Seeing a Black Hawk on the ramp is a reminder of how aviation connects directly to public safety. These helicopters often work close to the fire line, flying repeated short routes between water sources and drop zones where timing, coordination, and precision matter.

Thank you to the pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, firefighters, airport crews, and support teams who help keep these missions moving. Safe travels!

08/29/2026

Fire-fighting heroes taking off

We were able to capture a 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 lifting off from Grant County International Airport, headed out to support firefighting efforts in Montana.

These impressive aircraft are converted McDonnell Douglas DC-10s, widebody, three-engine jets that now serve as Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). With a fleet that includes Tankers 910, 911, 912, and 914 (tail numbers), 10 Tanker plays a major role in aerial firefighting across the western United States and beyond.

Operated by 10 Tanker Air Carrier since 2006, each plane can deliver up to 9,400 gallons of fire retardant in about eight seconds, creating a containment line up to a mile long. The pilots also work with lead or pathfinder planes that guide them safely over the drop zone, where every gallon and every second matters.

Thank you to the 10 Tanker team and aerial firefighting crews for the critical work you do protecting communities, landscapes, wildlife, and resources. Safe travels and clear skies!

Be sure to follow them, and learn more at: https://www.10tanker.com/

08/25/2026

Nothing quite like seeing a United States Army CH-47 Chinook roll in while a Joint Base Lewis-McChord C-17 lifts off from Grant County International Airport in the background. Both Boeing in Washington-built. Both equipped with rear loading ramps. Both heavy lifters. Pride and strength on display, all set against a perfect sunset backdrop.

Thank you, Port Fire Captain Bryan Gwinnup, for capturing this footage and sharing this incredible view of the flight line.

08/20/2026

In today’s installment of , we were pleased to welcome a U.S. Army Company with their Apache and Black Hawk aircraft last month.

Taking its first flight in 1975, the Apache serves as the backbone of global attack aviation. Also nicknamed the Global Guardian, over 2,700 Apache are trusted by the armed forces of allied nations across the globe. The Black Hawk is the U.S. military's premier tactical transport as well as air assault helicopter. Introduced in 1979, this iconic aircraft has served in nearly every major military and humanitarian operation since. Nicknamed “The Ultimate Survivor”, it features titanium-cored rotor blades designed to absorb hits from 23mm anti-aircraft artillery. Wow!

Thank you for stopping by, it’s always an honor and pleasure to host our visiting United States Armed Forces members. Safe travels and journeys home, everyone!

08/20/2026

Our next commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24th, starting at 10:00 a.m. No study session this week.

See the agenda here:https://cdn-portofmoseslake.codespeed.app/meetings/agendas/2026-08-24/08-24-2026%20Commission%20Agenda.pdf

Did you know you can listen in on these meetings? Call: 509 350 2140! Stay in the loop with our quarterly newsletter, too: https://www.portofmoseslake.com/news